Serving Our Students and Remembering a Legend
Welcome to the start of another exciting school year in Lawrence County! As Superintendent, it is a privilege to serve our students, who represent the bright future of our county. Throughout the year, these regular articles serve to keep everyone informed about district news, local school highlights, and important topics in education.
Like many of you, my heart has been heavy following the passing of Dolly Parton last week. Dolly achieved incredible success as a global superstar—winning Grammys, writing thousands of songs, starring in movies, and giving back. She gave millions in college scholarships and free tuition to Dollywood workers, provided millions in direct financial aid to families who lost their homes in the Smoky Mountain wildfires, stepped up with millions more for families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and many other projects to help her fellow man. Yet, despite all her fame, her early life in the Smoky Mountains was very similar to our way of life in Eastern Kentucky. She never forgot her mountain roots.
As an educator, the accomplishment that impresses me most was her creation of the Imagination Library. Dolly put millions of her own money into this program, which has now gifted over 300 million free books to children worldwide. Despite all her music awards, Dolly always called the Imagination Library her greatest accomplishment. I had the privilege of seeing her two years ago at an Imagination Library celebration in Lexington, and her kindness and warmth filled the entire room. The world truly needs more people like Dolly.
Providing these books costs millions overall, but it gives children a priceless head start. Early reading and exposure to books builds vocabulary, sparks imagination, and prepares children for kindergarten.
In the fall of 2023, Lawrence County officially enrolled in the program. Today, we have around 500 local children currently enrolled and nearly 400 who have already “graduated” at age five. Even better, over 17,000 books have been delivered right to the doorsteps of kids in Lawrence County just since we launched! About 35% of eligible young children in Lawrence County are enrolled, but our goal is to reach 100%.
Signing up is completely free and easy. Any child living in Lawrence County from birth up until their fifth birthday can be enrolled by visiting imaginationlibrary.com. They will receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book mailed directly to them every single month.
If you are looking for a way to give back, anyone can also donate directly to the Imagination Library Foundation by visiting donate.imaginationlibrary.com. During the online checkout, donors can choose to give to the overall global program or check a box to designate their donation specifically to support the local affiliate program right here for Lawrence County children.
If you have a child under five, or know a neighbor, family member, or friend who does, please encourage them to sign up today. Investing in our youngest learners is the best way we can honor Dolly’s legacy, give back to our own community, and build a bright, promising future for Lawrence County.
